Creatives’ store grows more and more

BALLARAT’S one-stop location for all things art and creativity has steadily grown since opening in February, 2022.

Launching with the works of about 30 creatives on offer, the Ballarat Imaginarium is nearing its second year in operation and now houses art by more than 120 makers.

Owner, Melinda Muscat, said the store is gaining a reputation as a hub for Ballarat’s creatives.

“People are starting to find us,” she said. “I’m an artist myself and I used to work at Backspace Ballarat so I started this out with the artists I knew.

“Since then, it’s basically been people coming in and approaching me, finding out the shop’s here. They just want to be part of it.

“I really felt like before there wasn’t really a place for artists and makers here to have their stuff and in turn for other people like tourists to come in here to see Ballarat’s creativity.”

With its bright red motif and menagerie of items, the Ballarat Imaginarium houses everything from paintings to jewellery, cardboard constructions, novels, bric-a-brac, 3D-printed objects, harlequin masks, music, and more.

“They’re always blown away by the colour and creativity, and just how packed it is,” Ms Muscat said.

“I’ve never thought of having an end number of items. If it works with the shop, its ethics and look, then I’ll always be able to squeeze it in.”

Mixed media creative Jen Crossley works with resin, and found objects such as metal items and antique photos to create steampunk-esque items like small metal-plated books, and jewellery.

She’s been stocking her work at the store since late last year and said it’s done wonders for her profile.

“Creative Ballarat recommended the place to me, and I do a lot of online sales mainly off Instagram but I’ve sold more here than I have anywhere in Australia,” she said.

“I don’t like putting myself out there so having my work here makes me feel more confident about myself. It’s an outlet to have it here and Melinda’s given me so much more confidence.

“I feel like I’m at home here.”

Opening at 10am, the Ballarat Imaginarium closes on Mondays to Wednesdays at 5pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 5.30pm, Saturdays at 4pm and the store can be found at 119A Sturt Street.